Bush regeneration
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bush regeneration is an ecological technique practiced in Australia to restore remnant bushland ecological communities that have been invaded by weeds. This process is geared towards protecting and enhancing the rich biodiversity of plants and animals that exist in Australia.
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[edit] History
One approach to bushland restoration was detailed by the Bradley Sisters in the mid 1960's in Sydney. Their approach was to start with good-quality bushland, secure that area, then work outward to the degraded areas, thereby strengthening the ecological community and forcing out weeds, which are often more aggressive in growth and out-compete native species for resources.
Bush regeneration is generally carried out by two different groups: professional bushland restoration consultants; and members of the public that create a community group to care for a particular site
[edit] Community Bush Regeneration - Bushcare
A community group that restores bushland on public land is often referred to as a bushcare group. This name was first created by volunteer groups working in the Sydney area though has spread to a range of location across the continent.
There are numerous volunteers working in Bushcare Groups to restore remnant patches of native bushland on public lands. Often such groups are co-ordinated by local councils. Councils often provide training, tools and resources. It is common for local government to have an appointed Bushcare officers on staff to manage such groups.
Two good examples of well organisied bushcare programs include the Blue Mountains just outside Sydney, with 50 such Bushcare working supported by the local Blue Mountains City Council. Ku-ring-gai Council, an urban Sydney Council, which has 11 km² of bushland has over 70 bushcare groups with approximately 700 active volunteers.
[edit] Bush Regeneration Technique
The natural Australian bushland is particularly suceptable to invasion from weed species from around the world, due to its geographical isolation and relative environmental equilibrium. Controlling weed species in bushland areas is considered key to the protection of biodiversity.
The effectiveness of Bushcare groups is still debated amongst ecologists, some argue that as soon as a bushcare group or bush regeneration project ceases then the weeds will start to return. Ku-ring-gai Council believes that bushcare is more effective as an education tool rather than a weed removal process and devotes major resources to trainers, seminars and newsletters, trying in the process to deal with the causes of weed growth.
Weed removal has, in the past, also led to the destruction of potential wildlife habitat. Fortunately this problem is now recognized and wildlife needs are now considered when devising a site strategy. Another problem that can occur is when weeds are removed but follow-up weeding is not adequate. This has the consequence of wasting valuable time and resources and is a major issue, especially with underskilled volunteers and Land Managers.
